Chapter 34 – The Battles We Fight

I walked briskly through the woods trying to remember the way Damon had shown me. I came to a sudden stop when I felt the wall of power hit me at full force. Breathing heavily I looked around cautiously knowing they didn't want me to be here.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry for what my family did to you!" I called out to the woods around me. "It was wrong, but I shouldn't be punished for what my ancestors did."

I stood there silently listening as the angry voices conversed in Latin. Glancing around there was no one physically there, but I could still feel them. Some of it I could understand and some of it I couldn't. Several questions about loyalty were brought up as well as questions of ritualistic measures for repenting witches.

"I can kill Klaus," I called out causing the voice to cease. I knew this had to be my time to speak. "I can kill Klaus, but I need Bonnie's help. When I brought her back to life it created a bond between us. Permanent power transference. Bonnie has the ability to channel all of you, but at the risk of killing herself. If I gave my powers to Bonnie she would be stable enough to channel her powers without killing herself."

The whispers started up again as I stood there waiting for their answer. I knew what I was doing was dangerous. My family line cannot live without their powers. Our powers, Jace, are our life force. If we die, our powers die. If our powers are stolen, we die. I could hear my father's voice ringing loud and clear in my head. Transferring my family's power isn't something to take lightly especially if it meant giving up not only my powers but my life force.

"Do we have a deal?" I asked looking around. I felt the wall of magic suddenly lifted and the voices faded. So be it.

I slowly walked up the steps to Elena's house and knocked on the front door. She wasn't answering her phone and I honestly didn't want to walk all the way back to Stefan's so I figured who could it hurt stopping by her house. Jenna was still at the university after her spat with Elena and Ric which was probably the safest place for her right now…

"Jay what are you doing here?" Jenna's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Jenna? What are you doing here?" I asked confused.

"I live here…" she said unsurely.

"No, you're supposed to be at college. Far, far from here…"

"Jaycee, what a pleasant surprise," a new familiar voice said from behind Jenna.

"Ric," I responded a shocked and worried look on my face.

"Please, come in," Ric nodded to Jenna who rolled her eyes and moved to the side.

I shook my head but Ric grabbed my arm and pulled me inside in a casual way before wrapping his arm around my shoulder and leading me into the kitchen. I glanced back at Jenna who was giving us a suspicious look before following us into the kitchen. Ric immediately let go of me before he walked behind the counter and continued chopping up some food with a large knife in his hands.

I sent a look over at Jenna who had a confused look on her face at the current situation. Jenna I'm sure was just a ball of emotions waiting to burst while I was overwhelmed with anger as I stared at him. This was Klaus and he was blending so well it was scary. The doorbell rang causing Jenna and me to jump. Jenna quickly got up and went to answer it leaving me and Klaus alone.

"I told you I'd be seeing you again," he told me as he continued cutting for a moment. "Full moon is in two days."

"I'm fully aware of that," I responded stiffly.

"Which means you have two days to pull it together or I'll make sure your father pays the price for your mistake."

I stared at him a horrified look on my face. My dad was not a part of this and for Klaus to be threatening him was crossing a line. A smirk fell across Ric's face before he set down the knife and walked past me and out of the kitchen.

"Hi, Stefan. How's it going?" I could her him ask. I felt my heart speed up hearing Stefan's name.

I stayed in the kitchen until Ric dragged Jenna and Stefan after him. I watched Stefan a concerned look on my face before his gaze met mine. His look went through so many different emotions it was hard to cling to any of them. He immediately walked up to me and I could see him quickly checking over me before leaning down pressing his lips to my ear as he hugged me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded pulling back slightly to look over at Klaus who had resumed his place chopping vegetables. Jenna stood there watching him a confused and frustrated look on her face with her arms across her chest. Stefan and I stood a little ways from Jenna watching Klaus knowing what he was trying capable of.

"You know, I find chopping...Calming. The feel of the blade in the hand," Klaus said causing Jenna to shift uncomfortably.

"I'm still waiting for someone to tell me what the hell's going on," Jenna said glancing between the three of us.

"Well, would you like to tell her, Stefan, or should I?" Klaus asked looking at me and Stefan.

"Tell me what?" Jenna asked looking over at me and Stefan a confused look on her face.

"Don't," I told him shaking my head. Klaus just smirked at me before looking at Jenna.

"Do you believe in vampires, Jenna? No?" Klaus asked before laughing bitterly. "Well, who does, right? But believe it or not, they do have a place in our history. And as a history teacher, I find them fascinating."

"Why are we talking about this?" Jenna asked an uncomfortable look crossing her face.

"Well, you've been angry with me for keeping secrets, and this is one of my secrets. I'm obsessed with vampires. There. I said it."

I glanced up at Stefan right as he looked down at me. He wasn't finding this very amusing and neither was Jenna. I checked my wrist just making sure the vervain bracelet was there before I felt Stefan's hand brush against mine.

"Are you joking?" Jenna snapped at Ric an angry look on her face.

"Not at all. How about you, Stefan? Are you a fan of vampires?" Klaus asked turning his attention to Stefan but was leaving me out of the conversation for some reason.

"In literature. Bram Stoker. It's dense, but I appreciate it," Stefan responded as his fingers intertwined with mine linking our hands together. Klaus noticed this, a smirk crossing his face.

"Hmm. Did you know that vampires are the oldest creatures of the night? Except for werewolves, of course."

"Werewolves. Werewolves. Now I know you're joking," Jenna cut him off shaking her head frustrated, but I could see it deep down she was starting to get scared. She turned away from us and walking towards the dining room table.

"You know, I've read that there's an Aztec curse on both species that keeps werewolves slaves to the Moon and vampires bound by the Sun. Isn't that right, Stefan? You know, they say these creatures would do anything to have this curse broken and that they wouldn't care who they had to kill to do it. Including the people they care most about in the world."

"I think we've had enough myth for one day," I finally spoke up breaking away from Stefan and walking towards Jenna.

"Sit down, Jaycee," Klaus responded strictly as he grabbed some plates setting them down on the table. I looked over at Stefan who nodded slightly telling me I should go along with it. I watched as Jenna sat down next to me before Klaus sat next to Jenna leaving Stefan between me and Klaus.

"Oh, I know this all sounds so crazy, but..." Klaus paused looking over at me connecting with my gaze before saying, "vampires are real. Would you care for some more wine?"

Jenna had been picking at the food Klaus had put on her plate for her while Stefan and I sat in front of empty plates watching Klaus closely. This was getting ridiculous the way he was prancing around in front of us. He was taunting us and now he was taunting Jenna and she didn't even realize it.

"Get out," Jenna said her voice low as Klaus stood up to get more wine.

"Excuse me?"

"I don't know what it is you're trying to do or why you're saying these things, but…"

"Jenna…"

"I said get out!" Jenna snapped. Stefan stood up after Jenna had said this. Klaus was still staring at her like she had lost her mind. I slowly stood up tossing my napkin on the table.

"You heard her," Stefan responded his voice low as well. I slowly made my way around the table so I was between Jenna and Ric.

"I'm afraid I don't want to," Klaus responded staring at me intently.

"Fine! I'll go." Jenna snapped quickly standing up.

Klaus picked up the knife that was on the table and I jumped between Jenna and the knife as he waved it in our direction. It wasn't very appealing having a knife shoved in your face, but it was me or Jenna and I chose me.

"You're not going anywhere," Klaus growled.

Stefan grabbed onto Klaus's arm and spun him around quickly slamming him into the nearby wall. Jenna jumped behind me as she watched the spectacle occur. I stayed in front of Jenna in case Klaus overpowered Stefan. Stefan took the knife and pressed it to Klaus's throat menacingly.

"Stefan!" I called out causing him to glance back at me briefly.

"Get Jenna out of here…Now!" He demanded.

"You can't kill me, Stefan," Klaus smirked keeping Stefan from slitting his throat.

"Watch me!" Stefan growled.

"Stefan!" Jenna cried.

"I may not have a witch protecting me today, but if you kill this body, what's to stop me from choosing Jenna as my next one? Or maybe I'll cut to the chase and go straight for Jaycee."

"Jace get her out of here."

"But you're… you…"Jenna stuttered watching what was happening. Stefan turned and stared at Jenna the veins appearing on his face as he vamped out slightly.

"Jay, NOW!"

I grabbed Jenna's arm and literally pulled her past Stefan and Klaus and towards the front door. She didn't fight as we ran out to her car and quickly climbed in. Jenna threw the car into reverse and high tailed it out of the driveway. She looked at me and I informed her we needed to get to Stefan's.

Jenna seemed dazed as she drove almost like nothing was registering in her mind anymore. The tears didn't start falling until after we had reached the Salvatore house. I climbed out of the car and helped Jenna inside where she sat comatose on the couch for a while. I stood there making sure she was okay until Stefan came in. I walked over and immediately wrapped my arms around him relieved when he did the same.

"How is she?" he asked as we stepped out of the room.

"Processing," I responded glancing in at Jenna. "Did you call Elena?"

Stefan didn't answer as the front door swung open before slamming shut. I could hear Jenna talking to Elena and the crying that ensued. I glanced up at Stefan and noticed he had a guilty look on his face as he listened to their conversation.

"Did you know about Elijah?" Stefan asked softly finally looking at me. "Did you know he was awake?"

I nodded as Elena got Jenna up and led her to one of the bedrooms. "I'm the one that pulled the dagger out. I left before he woke up though." I saw the conflicted look on his face before throwing my hands up. "Elena would have done it eventually. We need him Stefan."

Stefan didn't get the chance to respond when Elena walked into the room a stressed out look on her face. I almost felt sorry for her…Almost. I turned away from her causing her and Stefan both to sigh at my reaction.

"Is she gonna be ok?" I asked not looking at either of them.

"She's in shock. I tried to tell her as much as I could, but I barely scratched the surface," Elena explained.

"I'm so sorry, Elena. I hate this," Stefan told her sincerely causing me to roll my eyes.

"It's not your fault, Stefan. It's mine. Anyway... I have to go back to Elijah," Elena told us turning to leave. I whipped around facing Elena and Stefan.

"Wait, what? No, no!" Stefan said quickly stepping in front of Elena.

"Stefan, I promised him that I would return. I can't break that promise," Elena told him glancing at me briefly. "I'll be okay."

"No you won't," I told her stepping in her way. "Let me deal with Elijah and you can deal with Jenna."

"Jay-"

"It's the least I could do," I cut her off. "Trust me, Elena."

Elena sighed before nodding. I knew this was hard for her to just hand the reins over to me like that, but if anyone could calm Elijah down…it was me. I smiled gratefully at her before sending a quick look at Stefan who looked like he wanted to stop me, but couldn't bring himself to do it. I started walking down the hall when Damon and Andie entered the hall and were stalking towards me quickly.

"Where do you think you're going?" Damon asked staring at me like a man on a mission.

"I'm going to talk some sense into Elijah."

"No," Damon snapped appearing in front of me at vampire speed.

"I would like to see you try and stop me-"

He cut me off by grabbing my arm and jerking me back to him.

"If you so much as try and take a step out of this house..."

"Damon, easy," Andie cut in.

"Stay out of this, Andie."

"You'll what?" I asked glaring back at him.

"Let her go!" Stefan cut into the conversation as he and Elena appeared behind me.

"Are you kidding me? We just got her back!" Damon growled at Stefan not releasing my arm.

"You heard me," Stefan growled grabbing Damon's arm. "I said let her go."

"That's twice today you've stood in my way. I wouldn't try a third," Damon growled glaring up at Stefan.

I walked up to the Lockwood Mansion and immediately let myself in. I practically lived there…well not so much anymore since Tyler had left I tried avoiding the mansion. I reached out feeling his familiar energy source before walking into the parlor where he was standing his back to me.

"Welcome back," he said hearing a set of footsteps.

"Wrong girl," I responded.

I watched as he whipped around so fast any other person it would have broken their neck. I arched an eyebrow as I stood there staring at him a less than amused look on my face. My arms were crossed over my chest as I stared at him a hard look on my face.

"Jaycee," he whispered.

"Give me one good reason why I should trust you," I told him standing my ground. In a flash Elijah was in front of me his hand on my cheek just over my bruise.

"Who did this?"

"Your brother," I responded jerking away from him. "But you have no right to act like you care."

"I do-"

"You compelled me to stab myself, Elijah, we are way past caring," I snapped. "I'm here because Elena has present issues with her aunt. I'm here in her stead so any agreement you had with Elena consider it upheld. Deal with it," I snapped before turning my back to him and walking towards the door.

"He compelled you?" Elijah asked causing me to stop. I could feel the tensions in my shoulders but I refused to look at him. "Who did he have you kill?"

"That's none of your business," I responded turning to look at him.

"You know what that means, Jaycee. You let it in, that's exactly what he wanted-"

"Well I'm not gonna be around much longer so it doesn't really matter does it?" I snapped stalking towards him.

"You always matter to me. You know the consequences of killing someone in your position-"

"Yeah Elijah I'm fully aware of the repercussions. But lucky for you I'm repenting."

"How?"

"I'm giving my powers over to Bonnie."

"No. Absolutely not," Elijah responded coming to a stop in front of me.

"I have to…" I responded softly. "I know the curse is false, but my involvement in it isn't, Elijah. It was going to come down to my death or Elena's and I choose me."

Elijah turned away from me shaking his head. He knew I was just as stubborn as he was and as much as I wanted to keep hating him for what he had done…I just couldn't. He had been there for me my entire life and now he was just doing what was necessary to protect me.

"Klaus…" Elijah stopped himself like he was trying to gather his thoughts. "Klaus and my father did not get on too well. When we became vampires, we discovered the truth. Klaus was not my father's son. My mother had been unfaithful many years before. This was her darkest secret. Klaus is from a different bloodline. Of course, when my father discovered this, he hunted down and he killed my mother's lover and his entire family. Not realizing, of course, that he was igniting a war between species that rages until this day."

I stared at Elijah wondering if he was really telling me this or if I was just imagining it. Was he really willing to help me on my quest for death?

"A war between the species? You're telling me that your father is the one that started the feud between…"

"The vampires... and the werewolves," he confirmed nodding his head.

"So Klaus' real father was from a werewolf bloodline? What does that make Klaus? A werewolf? Or a vampire?"

"He's both. A hybrid would be deadlier than any werewolf or vampire. Nature would not stand for such an imbalance of power."

"They would make sure his werewolf side would become dormant. Sustain as much balance as possible," I said distantly. "That's the curse that Klaus wants to break…"

"He wants to trigger that part of him that's a werewolf. If allowed, Klaus would sire his own bloodline. He'd build his own race. Endangering not just vampires, but everyone."

"And you were willing to help him…" I responded my sharp gaze resting on his face. "Why?"

"I helped him because I loved him. That's changed, now he must die."

"He will. We have the dagger now. We can stop him," I muttered going over plans in my head.

"When a werewolf is wounded by silver, it heals. An Original can't be killed by anything but white oak ash on a silver dagger. So you see the conundrum. The dagger does not work."

"Which means…"

"There's one way to kill any supernatural species… at the hands of the servants of nature themselves," Elijah said resting his hands on my shoulders.

"Bonnie can't handle that much power."

"The curse must be broken during the full moon. When Klaus is in transition. That's when he'll be at his most vulnerable. A witch with enough power... can kill Klaus."

"I don't have that much power on my own, Elijah."

"Yes, you do. You alone. That is why Klaus is using you to perform the ritual to keep you busy. If you are preoccupied with breaking the curse you won't be able to stop him." I shook my head turning away from him. "There's one more thing that you should know. I can save Elena."

"You found a way to save the life of the doppelgänger?" I asked my gaze meeting his once more.

"Yes, Jaycee. I did. But unfortunately, Katerina took matters into her own hands first. I believe you already know how that played out."

"You cared about her, didn't you?"

"It's a common mistake, I'm told. And it's one I won't make again."

"True love is not real unless it's returned," I told him as I grabbed my jacket. Elijah shot me a conflicted look before shaking his head. "You told me that."

"I do not believe in love."

"Love is a vampire's greatest weapon," I told him glancing down. "Humanity. Gives them something to fight for."

"Makes us weak. We can't be weak."

"Then embrace it and make it your strength," I told him.

"Which Salvatore is your weakness?" Elijah asked. "Or have they both found a place in your heart?"

I didn't respond as I turned and walked out of the room.

Damon was sitting there in the comfy chair while Andie mixed him his favorite drink. He couldn't pull his mind away from Jay and how she was doing. There was something distant in her eyes since she had killed Bonnie then brought her back. There was something different about her behavior and it worried him.

"You don't have to be so mad at your brother. You know, he's worried about Jaycee, and..." Andie trailed off as she set the drink down in front of Damon.

"Just go, please."

"I know you're worried about her, too," Andie tried again.

"Andie. Go," Damon demanded not in the mood. Andie quickly agreed and grabbed her jacket before heading out of the room a hurt look on her face.

"Tired of your little play thing already?" Stefan's voice floated to Damon's ears. He rolled his eyes before turning his gaze to meet his brother's.

"Don't start with me, Stefan. She's just my distraction," Damon responded standing up drinking some of the liquor Andie had gotten him.

"She's a person. You're victimizing her," Stefan responded pointing to where Andie had just gone.

"You should be thankful she's here. She keeps me from going for what I really want," Damon retorted getting closer to his brother. He knew he had crossed the line and he was interested to see how Stefan would handle it.

"You're right. Thank you for being in love with my girlfriend," Stefan responded coolly but it burned him, it was clear by the expression on his face.

"And there it is," Damon smirked.

"There it is," Stefan retorted sending Damon the smirk back. "You know, you can be in love with Jaycee all you want... If it means that you'll protect her. But I have the one thing that you never will."

"Oh, yeah? What's that?"

"Her respect," Stefan responded a triumphant smile on his face.

Damon instantly retaliated by sending a punch at Stefan hitting him squarely in the jaw. The blow was so hard it sent Stefan flying back into the bookshelf practically destroying it in the process. At vampire speed Stefan was on his feet and charging at Damon, both vampires with scowls on their faces. Growling at each other they attacked grabbing the other brother's throat and tightening. They were in a stalemate, but neither one was willing to stop.

"Stop!" Elena's voice snapped echoing around the room.

Damon and Stefan immediately break apart and look up to where Elena and Elijah where standing. Elijah looked less than amused while Elena seemed disappointed. That's when both Salvatores realized that Jaycee wasn't there.

I sat there quietly staring out at the small pond the grimoire sitting in my hands as I contemplated what Elijah had said to me. Love was a weakness, but it gave us all something worth fighting for. But why was I feeling doubt when it came to protecting the people I loved?

"Is this seat taken?" a familiar voice asked. I shook my head scooting over slightly so he could sit on the bench next to me. "What are you thinking about?"

"I heard what Damon said…about you always choosing Elena over me," I told him softly not bothering to look at him. "Why do I get the feeling that Damon was right about that?"

Stefan sighed. "This is what Damon wants, Jay. He wants to create doubt in our feelings for each other-"

"You're doing that all on your own, Stefan," I cut him off finally turning to face him. "I told you from the beginning that I wasn't going to be anyone's second choice and why do I still feel like I'm second to Elena?"

Stefan reached up resting both his hands on my cheeks. "I love you, Jaycee and nothing is ever going to change that. Elena and I are over. My life is with you."

"No it isn't," I said softly. I reached up and rested my hand against his cheek. "You made your choice a long time ago. The moment you left you decided that I had to become a part of your past, not your future."

I stood up the grimoire in my hands as I took a step back away from him. It broke my heart to see the torn look on his face but this was the only way I knew how to break it to him. As long as he still loved Elena I knew I was always going to come second. I love him with all my heart, but I needed to protect myself from the pain of losing him again.

"I made a promise to you," Stefan spoke up. "Elena is my past, Jaycee. I'll always have a place in my heart for her, but you've been there front and center since the moment I bumped into you. You showed me how to love someone again. Not Elena…You. You showed me that there were good people, magical people in this world worth fighting for."

"Then why did you choose Elena's side? Whenever it comes down to me and Elena why do you always choose her? The moment I fell in love with you Stefan I knew from that moment on it was always going to be you." I felt the first tears making their way down my face. "All I wanted was for you to need me back."

"I do need you," Stefan said the tears in his eyes.

"Then prove it to me…Let me go, Stefan." I told him my heart breaking.

He shook his head taking a step towards me only for me to respond by taking another step back. I hugged the grimoire to my chest as I turned away from him before I took off at full speed back up to my Aunt's house. This wasn't how this was supposed to be, but I was going to die and I didn't want Stefan blaming himself. Maybe it was best to push him away. Elijah was right. Love made us weak.

Damon stood outside a drink in his hand as he stared out over the property they had. Elena was being a brat and they all knew it. She was taking Elijah's word over them and it pissed him off. Jaycee had trusted him and he hurt her now she was just…gone. Stefan came back last night upset and he figured it had to do with Jaycee.

"Breakfast of champions, huh?" Stefan's voice cut through his thoughts.

"I'm surrounded by idiots. I need all the help I can get," Damon muttered before taking a drink.

"You know, you're not helping."

"Elijah is an original vampire, Stefan. One we tried to kill. You're going to believe this guy?" Damon asked looking at his brother a frustrated look on his face.

"What do you want me to do, Damon? Elena made her decision. She's choosing to trust Elijah. I'm going to put my faith in her."

"What about Jaycee?" Damon asked looking at his brother. "You going to put your faith in her?"

"Don't bring her into this-"

"She's a big part of it Stefan!" Damon snapped. "If she and Bonnie can't use their magic together than this is all useless! You may be more willing to let Jay die, but I will put Jace above anyone any day, even Elena," Damon responded glaring at his brother.

"Jaycee put her faith in me," Stefan responded his voice breaking slightly. "She chose to trust me in spite of what I am. I'm going to bet on somebody's instincts, it's going to be Jay's. You're right. Without her this is hopeless. But we can't let Elena die because we're more focused on Jay-"

"Well, then, that makes you the biggest idiot of them all."

"She chose to trust you, too," Stefan responded quickly. "Jaycee believes in you and she knows that you trust her. Fight it all you want Damon but she loves you."

"Then maybe you shouldn't be so sure about her instincts," Damon retorted bitterly before tossing the rest of his drink out and walking away from his brother.

He should have known better than trying to convince Stefan that this all was one bad idea. If Elena wasn't going to go out and get herself killed, Jay would and that was the last thing they needed. They couldn't protect both girls at the same time and they all know it. If this goes Jay and Elena's way someone is going to die. Damon was determined to make sure that it wouldn't be Jaycee.

Once he entered the house he threw his glass in the kitchen before he heard a commotion in the hallway. A commotion that sounded a lot like Jenna and Ric fighting…wait Ric? Damon quickly made his way to the disturbance. Jenna was standing there a crossbow in hand while Ric had his hands up in surrender.

"What's going on?" Elena asked as she Elijah and Stefan all appeared as well.

"It's me, Elena, I swear, ok? He let me go. Klaus let me go." Ric begged glancing over at Elena.

"Prove it," Damon responded narrowing his eyes at Ric.

Ric turned his frantic gaze to Jenna. "Ok, uh, first night you and I spent together, Jeremy walked in right when I was about to..."

"Okay, it's him," Jenna responded cutting Ric off not wanting the world to hear about what they were clearly doing. She lowered the crossbow rolling her eyes before looking over at Elena.

"Why did he let you go?" Stefan asked a suspicious look on his face.

"He wanted me to deliver a message. The sacrifice happens tonight."

Damon felt his eyes widened as he looked over at Stefan who had a similar reaction on his face. Elijah was standing behind the group a stony look on his face as he heard the news. That's when it clicked. Jay was out in the open with no protection. He quickly whipped out his phone and dialed her number as he headed towards the front door ignoring the calls of the people behind him. He had to find her.

I walked briskly through the hospital checking room numbers frantically looking for the right room. How did she fall down the stairs? I shook my head trying not to think of it. I was all she had here now that Tyler was gone and I owed it to her to be there when she woke up.

I finally spotted the right room and quickly barged in ready to go to my Aunt's side only to freeze realizing there was another person standing near the window. It took me a moment to realize who it was before a look of happiness crossed my face. He turned around before a lazy smile set itself on his handsome face. I didn't give him any time to say anything because I immediately launched myself into his arms.

"Miss me much?" he laughed as he wrapped his arms around me tightly pulling me close.

"You have no idea, Ty."

"I'm home now," he said softly squeezing me a little tighter. "I'm home."

I think my two favorite parts out of this was the scene between Jay and Elijah and then the scene between Jay and Stefan! On top of all this Tyler's back! Yay! Super stoked I've missed Tyler. Anyways thank you for all your kind reviews I love hearing what you have to say so keep em coming!